Message from the Shepherd

Dear Friends,

Prayerful greetings from Miao!

Here is another volume of “BEAMS”. As usual, it has elements of history as well as of news. I do hope that both will be of equal interest to you. A word of sincere thanks and congratulations to all those who have contributed to make these things happen.

As we go through these wonderful pages, we are moving swiftly through the season of lent, that reminds us of the cause, desired effect and the chartered course of action that should guide our plans and actions.  While these pages will still be  in your hands, we would have entered the Holy week which will lead us to the ONE reason for all we do and say, THE RESURRECTION.

What we read in Isaiah 53, “….He had no form or comeliness that we should look at him, and no beauty that and no beauty that we should desire him…..” should figure in our hearts, minds, thoughts and form the guiding principles of our lives and actions. When  we are able to link it in our lives and the lives of our missions to what the Lord tells us though Isaiah 61, “ The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good tidings to the afflicted, he has sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to captives….” we become disciples.

If and when we make the above our way, of living and thinking, we will become relevant to the world of today. Without this we will be rootless and fruitless trees,  paid performers, speakers who see wrong in others but none in oneself, seat of wisdom and embodiment of uprightness. We can never initiate the new heaven and new earth that Revelation 21 speaks of. Pope Francis never get tired of repeating these sentiments.

I wish you a VERY HAPPY EASTER. And at this Easter may the word of the Lord where he says “Behold, the dwelling of God is with men. He will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself will be with them……” (Rev. 21)  be our experience and through us, of everyone who comes in contact with us.

Assuring you of my humble prayers and entrusting myself and our missions to your valuable prayers,

+George Pallipparambil SDB

Bishop of Miao

Pope institutes new celebration of Mary, Mother of the Church

Pope Francis inserts the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, into the Roman Calendar on the Monday following Pentecost Sunday.

Pope Francis has decreed that the ancient devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, under the title of Mother of the Church, be inserted into the Roman Calendar.

The liturgical celebration, B. Mariæ Virginis, Ecclesiæ Matris, will be celebrated annually as a Memorial on the day after Pentecost.

In a decree released on Saturday by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, Cardinal Robert Sarah, its Prefect, said the Pope’s decision took account of the tradition surrounding the devotion to Mary as Mother of the Church.

He said the Holy Father wishes to promote this devotion in order to “encourage the growth of the maternal sense of the Church in the pastors, religious and faithful, as well as a growth of genuine Marian piety”.

The decree reflects on the history of Marian theology in the Church’s liturgical tradition and the writings of the Church Fathers.

It says Saint Augustine and Pope Saint Leo the Great both reflected on the Virgin Mary’s importance in the mystery of Christ.

“In fact the former [St. Augustine] says that Mary is the mother of the members of Christ, because with charity she cooperated in the rebirth of the faithful into the Church, while the latter [St. Leo the Great] says that the birth of the Head is also the birth of the body, thus indicating that Mary is at once Mother of Christ, the Son of God, and mother of the members of his Mystical Body, which is the Church.”

The decree says these reflections are a result of the “divine motherhood of Mary and from her intimate union in the work of the Redeemer”.

Scripture, the decree says, depicts Mary at the foot of the Cross (cf. Jn 19:25). There she became the Mother of the Church when she “accepted her Son’s testament of love and welcomed all people in the person of the beloved disciple as sons and daughters to be reborn unto life eternal.”

In 1964, the decree says, Pope Paul VI “declared the Blessed Virgin Mary as ‘Mother of the Church, that is to say of all Christian people, the faithful as well as the pastors, who call her the most loving Mother’ and established that ‘the Mother of God should be further honoured and invoked by the entire Christian people by this tenderest of titles’”.

Then, in the Holy Year of Reconciliation in 1975, the Church inserted into the Roman Missal a votive Mass in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church.

With the present decree, Pope Francis inserts that celebration into the universal Church’s liturgy as a Memorial on a fixed date.

The Congregation for Divine Worship has published the official liturgical texts in Latin. Translations, the decree states, are to be prepared and approved by local Bishops’ Conferences before being confirmed by the Congregation. (www.vaticannews.com)

Don’t let technology replace real encounters – Pope Francis

Pope Francis told consecrated men and women Friday that they are called to have real encounters with their brothers and sisters, and that technology should never have a higher priority than time spent with God and others.

“Today’s frantic pace leads us to close many doors to encounter, often for fear of others,” the Pope said Feb. 2. “Only shopping malls and internet connections are always open.”

“Yet that is not how it should be with consecrated life: the brother and the sister given to me by God are a part of my history, gifts to be cherished. May we never look at the screen of our cellphone more than the eyes of our brothers or sisters, or focus more on our software than on the Lord.”

Pope Francis cautioned against getting trapped by the “life of this world,” pointing out how consecrated life, and vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, are about turning away “from fleeting riches to embrace the One who endures forever.”

“The life of this world pursues selfish pleasures and desires; the consecrated life frees our affections of every possession in order fully to love God and other people,” he said. “Worldly lives aim to do whatever we want; consecrated life chooses humble obedience as the greater freedom.”

The Pope’s homily came during Mass for the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, which also marks the 22nd World Day of Consecrated Life.

The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord is also sometimes called Candlemas. On this day, many Christians bring candles to the church to be blessed. They can then light these candles at home during prayer or difficult times as a symbol of Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.

The Mass in St. Peter's Basilica began with a blessing of the candles in the rear of the church by Pope Francis. He then processed into the darkened church with priests, bishops and cardinals carrying lit candles. Those present in the congregation also held small candles.

This feast, in the Eastern Churches, is sometimes called the “Feast of Encounter,” Francis said. Speaking to consecrated men and women, he noted that their vocation was borne of an encounter with the Lord and his call.

“We journey along a double track: on the one hand, God’s loving initiative, from which everything starts and to which we must always return; on the other, our own response, which is truly loving when it has no ‘ifs’ or ‘buts,’ when it imitates Jesus in his poverty, chastity and obedience,” he said.

Referencing the story of the presentation of Jesus in the Temple, the pontiff said that like the elderly Simeon, it is good for Catholics to also hold the Lord “in our arms.”

“Not only in our heads and in our hearts,” he explained, “but also ‘in our hands,’ in all that we do: in prayer, at work, at the table, on the telephone, at school, with the poor, everywhere.”

A genuine encounter with the Lord in this way helps to correct “saccharine piety and frazzled hyperactivity.” It also helps remedy the “paralysis of routine,” he said.

“The secret to fanning the flame of our spiritual life is a willingness to allow ourselves to encounter Jesus and to be encountered by him,” he continued. “Otherwise we fall into a stifling life, where disgruntlement, bitterness and inevitable disappointments get the better of us.”

In an encounter with Jesus and with our brothers and sisters our hearts can rest in the present moment, the Pope said, not worried about the past or the future.

He also drew attention to another encounter with Jesus from the Gospels that can inspire those in consecrated life –  that of the women who go to the tomb to anoint Jesus after his death.

“They had gone to encounter the dead; their journey seemed useless,” he said. “You too are journeying against the current; the life of the world easily rejects poverty, chastity and obedience.”

“Like those women, be the first to meet the Lord, risen and alive. Cling to him and go off immediately to tell your brothers and sisters, your eyes gleaming with joy,” he concluded. (www.vaticannews.com)

Forty ‘miraculously’ preserved, consecrated hosts have been discovered in a church that was destroyed by a large earthquake in central Italy in 2016

Forty ‘miraculously’ preserved, consecrated hosts have been discovered in a church that was destroyed by a large earthquake in central Italy in 2016.

The hosts, recovered from a tabernacle recently retrieved from the ruins of the parish church of Arquata del Tronto, have no bacteria or mold, as usually happens to hosts after a few weeks, according to the Italian bishops’ newspaper Avvenire.

The tabernacle, which since the earthquake had been kept in storage along with other artifacts and was recently returned to the diocese, contained an upturned but unopened ciborium.

Inside the ciborium were 40 hosts whose color, shape and scent were unchanged. Even though the quake took place nearly a year and a half ago, the hosts “seemed to have been made yesterday,” Avvenire reported Feb. 21.

The local bishop, Mons. Giovanni D’Ercole of Ascoli Piceno, was cautious, saying “faith requires prudence,” but added that such a discovery needs “no words.”

“It is a sign of hope for everyone,” he added. “Confronted with a fact like this, one has to surely remain silent. It simply touches and strengthens faith in Jesus who remains alive to console the earthquake-stricken population of Arquata.”

The 6.6 magnitude earthquake that hit the region on Oct. 30 caused immense damage to Arquata del Tronto and the surrounding area. The basilica in Norcia, the native town of St. Benedict and home to the famous Benedictine Monks of Norcia, was almost totally destroyed. It followed a similarly powerful quake in the region on Aug. 24 of that year which killed almost 300 people.

Don Angelo Ciancotti, a priest in nearby Ascoli who helped make the discovery, said finding the hosts was “a great joy” and gives a “message for the whole community.”

“Yes, for me it is a miracle,” he told the Italian daily Il Resto del Carlino. “Obviously, those who have no faith aren’t able to believe in anything, but never has there been any tampering. The Lord has done this all by Himself.”

Don Ciancotti, who has close family ties to Arquata, knew every missing person in the rubble and all the streets in the region. So together with some residents he sought to recover all the artifacts that could be saved. (www.mattersindia.com)

Communication is the key to proclaiming Gospel Values – Bishop George at the SIGNIS India National Assembly

Communication is the key to proclaiming Gospel values and effective communication is needed to reach out to people, said Bishop George Pallparampil of Miao, chairman of Signis North East.

He was speaking at the opening function of Signis India National Assembly 2018 with the theme “Media: Current Trends and Emerging Challenges” at Don Bosco Institute, Guwahati, Assam on 21 Feb.

Bishop Pallipparambil stressed the importance of the current trends and emerging challenges in media. Dialogue, debate and right communication are essential to reach out to people. It should also be a healthy and productive one.

“We are sharing the personality of Jesus and intend to transform the world by sharing Jesus and good news as communicators,” the prelate said.

The Signis stands for the World Catholic Association for Communication. The SIGNIS National Assembly 2018 scheduled for 21 to 24 February is underway at Guwahati. It is a body of Catholic media personnel represented by members from 174 dioceses. More than 150 participants across India are attending.

Fr. V. M. Thomas, Salesian Provincial and Conference of Religious India President, India shared fake news by presenting some cases to show how fake news is increasing day by day.

“We don’t check facts while passing news stories or while preparing news. Nowadays, media and media persons serve no more news but opinions,” he said. He asked the august gathering to make discernment as media persons and communicators.

The chief guest of the day Ranjit Shekhar Mooshahary, former Governor, Meghalaya in his keynote address spoke about the current trends and emerging challenges in Media. He said that in the field of media the news is twisted according to one’s own whims and fancy by the media persons working for the particular print or electronic media.

Speaking positively about media he said that media are full of activity. Communication is important to solve the conflicts of all sorts. Proper communication is essential to remove miscommunication. Usually, miscommunication is the cause of the destruction of the world.

During a panel discussion on Fake News, Social Media, Internet Trolling & Dark web and Cyber Crimes, panellists dealt with great care.

Media houses fall prey to fake news without verifying the news stories. It is not good to just pick up stories from the social site without verifying the story. Fake news can either make or break one’s image, Ms Iban Mawrie, a local journalist.

Salesian Father C. M. Paul, a media educator, spoke on Social Media which is also convergent media. We have become both producers and consumers in the social media. Print Media and Electronic Media both are found on the same platform. Several points indicating the use and abuse of the social media were presented during the discussion.

He also discussed various cases where misuse of social media is done. Use of social media is done a lot during elections. Means, Motive and Opportunity which is focused is spreading the message. As per a report present youth is spending eight hours per day on social media. Youth can be educated about the use of Social media. Use it as a voice of voiceless. Another way is to be creative and innovative, honing skills and expressing oneself through media.

Shekar Ranjan Musahary, former Governor of Meghalaya,inaugurated the Signis National Assembly gave key-note address. He said there are media networks that are inclined to various political ideologies in the current times and Catholic media persons need to be conscious of such scenario.

Ms. Neha Gupta spoke about Internet trolling and the dark web. Shrill pronouncements are nothing but trolling on the net. Using words especially abusive words on the net is the Dark web. The Internet is a rhizome – a root which keeps growing. 70% of world’s youth is online and 48% world population is online. The Internet is fast changing itself and people.

Michael Peria talked about cybercrime like hacking somebody’s web, mail account and computer. Social Media is uncontrollable media. Cybercrime is not making use of platform properly. Posting wrong pictures and content on the net and social sites to come under this. There are many ways we break rules and by mistake do a crime on the net.

“Has Political Ideologies and vested interests Hijacked Media space? A review of current Media scenario in India” by Dr. J. Alexander, former Cabinet Minister and chief Security, Government of Karnataka, “Media in India today: Commercialisation, Political Allegiance Visa-Vis Public Service & Right to Information and Challenging to Christian Communicators in India Today by Father George Plathottam, former Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India Secretary of Social Communication were discussed.

Participants reviewed the communication apostolate by various dioceses during the conference.

Bishop celebrates his 12th Episcopal Ordination Anniversary with five newly Ordained Priests for the Diocese

The Diocese of Miao celebrated Bishop George’s 12^th Episcopal Ordination Anniversary with a Solemn Holy Mass at the Christ the Light Shrine in Miao on 26 February.

Bishop George, celebrating his 12^th Episcopal Ordination Anniversary, expressed his gratitude to God for the gift of five newly ordained Priests. The five Priests joined the Bishop thanking God for the Call to serve the Lord at the Altar.

The five Priests are Fr. Jabamalai, Fr. Rabindra Debbarma, Fr. Solomon Ogirala, Fr. Subhash and Fr. Thomas Mani.

The Diocese of Miao congratulates Bishop George on his 12^th Episcopal Ordination Anniversary and the five newly ordained Priests and wishes them a fruitful ministry in the Diocese.

Deputy CM of Arunachal hails Catholic Education at College Graduation

Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh hailed the contribution of Catholic education in Arunachal Pradesh at the first convocation of Venerable Uktara Bethany College (VUBC), Namsai on 3 March 2018.

Shri. Chowna Mein, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, who was the Chief Guest at the convocation ceremony of VUBC, the first Christian college in east Arunachal Pradesh, paid glowing tributes to the catholic education in North East India, particularly in Arunachal Pradesh. “Standing here today, I am reminded of my days at Don Bosco School, Guwahati”, he said. “All that I am today, I owe it to the Fathers and brothers at my school.” Reminiscing his long association with the catholic education, he highlighted the fact the catholic institutions are Trust that render yeomen service without looking for profit and without much support from the Government.

Appreciating the first batch of graduates from VUBC, Shri. Mein recollected the difficulties he had faced to complete his education due to lack of transport facilities and good educational institutions around. “You are so lucky to have graduated from this college. Good educational institutions have walked right into your doorsteps. We had to travel by mules and boats for days to reach our college” he said.

The first batch of graduates from VUBC, which had a humble beginning in 2014, has performed remarkably well in the University examinations. Out of 54 graduates, 12 are in the University Top 10 list of Rajiv Gandhi University, Arunachal Pradesh, for the Departments of Political Science, History, Commerce and Sociology for the academic year 2016 – 2017.

Bishop George Pallipparambil of Miao Diocese expressed his heartiest appreciation to the students for the outstanding result. “What you have achieved is only one part of your life’s examination. The real result will be based on what you do from here. May you make the society a better place to live in”, he told the graduates.

Earlier expressing her gratitude to the college, staff and management, Miss Tojam Mossang, University Topper (Political Science) exhorted the juniors to invest in hardwork for success.

Rev. Sr. Joy, the Provincial Superior of the Bethany North East Province and the President of Bethany Educational Trust, Guwahati, also appreciated the graduates during her message and said she and her congregation have a very special love for this college. "Go and be salt and light of the society; add taste and dispel darkness from the life of the people", she said.

The toppers were awarded with certificate of merit and cash awards sponsored by friends of Bethany Educational Trust and Shri. Chou Khouk Manpoong, Ex- MLA of Namsai and the land donor of VUBC.

Rev. Sr. Teresa Martis, the Principal of VUBC, expressed her sincere gratitude to all who extended their support to the college in various ways.

Shri. Zingnu Namchoom, Hon’ble MLA of Namsai and Parliamentary Secretary, Shri. R. K. Sharma, Deputy Commissioner, Namsai District, Shri. Bijoy Talukdar, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Namsai, Fr. Felix Anthony, Youth Director of Miao Diocese and Rev. Sr. Noeline, the Administrator of VUBC were present for the historical convocation programme of the first Catholic College in East Arunachal Pradesh.

Principals and Headmistress of Newman Educational Society meet to evaluate the Academic Year 2017 – 2018

On the occasion of the 12^th Anniversary of the Diocese of Miao, the Principals and Headmistress of the schools under Newman Educational Society (NES), the educational wing of Diocese of Miao came together to evaluate their performance during the academic year 2017 – 2018.

The NES had prepared a list of annual programmes for the effective running of the schools under its ambit. This meeting was to evaluate the steps taken up by the NES and to take appropriate measures to impart quality education to the pupils of NES.

Bishop George thanked all the Principals and Headmistress gathered for the event and asked them to be always committed to the service of the children under our care and be worthy of the trust and confidence the parents of these students have on us. “Our endeavour is not just to teach but to educate them”, he added. 

The meet concluded with the prize distribution for Spectrum 201 and release of RADIANCE 2018, the annual society magazine that comprises events of the previous academic year, especially that of RADIANCE, an inter-school cultural and sports event. 

Education Minister attends Silver Jubilee of the last village of Arunachal

The people of Votnu, under Minthong Parish, the last village of Arunachal Pradesh in Longding district, bordering Myanmar, celebrated its Silver Jubilee of receiving Catholic faith on 11 February.

Mr. Honchun Ngandam , Hon’ble Minister of Education, Library & Statistic, Government of Arunachal Pradesh and Shri. Motpho Kolong, Zilla Parishad Member of Wakka Block graced the occasion as Chief Guest and Guest of Honour, in presence of Rev. Dr. George Pallipparambil, SDB Bishop of Miao Diocese.

Speaking on the occasion Mr. Ngandam lauded the contribution of the Church in modernizing the village and bringing peace in the region.  “It is a great event to be celebrated. But such celebrations should not be only about merry making but it should lead us to ponder on ways to march further as society”, he said.

Votnu, a large Catholic village with 125 families, located 261 KMs away from Miao, right on the Indo-Myanmar border, is home to Wanho Tribe, one of the prominent tribes of Arunachal Pradesh.

In a colourful celebration that was marked with a beautiful songs and cultural items presented by different Catholic communities around Longding district, the Education Minister also advised the youth to build a progressive society. “Education does not mean simply completing graduation. We need quality education to compete with the world, an education which can make us stand on our feet.”

Appreciating the cultural items presented at the event, Bishop George appealed to the people to preserve their cultural identity. “25 is just a number. We must measure our success on the number of leaders this village has produced”, he said and advised the youth fight drug and alcohol addiction as most dangerous enemy.

Mr Kolong, the ZPM took the occasion to emphasise on the implementation of Swatch Bharat Abhiyan in the village and appealed the villagers to make the village an open defecation free village.

Silver Jubilee celebrations also marked the blessing and inauguration of the new Church building by Bishop George.

Spectrum 2018 – Science Expo held at Mahadevpur

Newman Educational Society (NES), the Educational Wing of the Diocese of Miao conducted inter-school Science Expo at Ferrando School, Mahadevpur in Namsai District on 10 January  2018.

Christened Spectrum, the Science Exhibition is an annual event that brings students from its 46 schools to give them a platform to showcase their creativity in the filed of Science. Spectrum 2018 saw nearly 20 schools of NES.

The Chief Guest, Mr. S. Roy, the Extra Assistant Commissioner (EAC) of Mahadevpur, appreciated the students for their creative inventions and made a special mention about NES for providing the children with a platform to showcase their talents in this modern era of science and technology.

Rainwater Harvesting and Smart City Planning by the students were the highlight of Spectrum 2018.

Vocational Training and Awareness programme for dropout girls/women for six months concludes

Seva Kendra Arunachal East (SKAE), the social service wing of the Diocese of Miao, concluded its six-month vocational training and awareness programme for dropout girls and women on 18 February at its training centre in Namphai I, Changlang district.

The training programme for school dropout girls and women, which started on 4 September 2017 by the ADC Miao, came to conclude on 18 February with certification and tailoring machine distribution to the best trainees of the batch.

Speaking to the trainees at the concluding function, Bishop George, the President of SKAE, advised them to use the training to make a living for them and their family. “The certificate and the tailoring machine you receive today have no meaning if you keep them locked in your suitcases”, he said. “The success of this training programme will depend on what you are going to do with this training. Go out and help other girls in your village”.

The training programme is to teach a living to the girls and women who dropout of schooling due to multiple factors, lack of schools and early marriage being the primary reasons. All the 30 girls who received training for the last six months are from Tirap and Longding districts of Arunachal Pradesh, which have the second lowest literacy rate in the State with 52.19%.

Sr. Rincy SH, the Director of SKAE and her team aim at helping these dropout girls and women to learn a living. Apart from this Vocational Training programme, SKAE is involved in various women empowerment activities in the eight districts of eastern part of Arunachal Pradesh. Formation of Self Help Groups, weaving, carpentry, wood carving, basket making, awareness programmes on women and child hare, medical camps in collaboration with Government medical staff, Assam Rifles and CRPF, Caritas India, KBM Hospital and other civil bodies, are some of the activities SKAE conducts throughout the year

Longris of Arunachal Pradesh get their first Church at Old Khamdu

The Longris, a small sub-tribe of the Tangsas of Arunachal Pradesh, created sort of a history with the blessing and dedication of their first Catholic Church at Old Khamdu village of Changlang District on 8 February.

Located about 7 Kilometers from Jairampur subdivision of Changlang District, Old Khamdu is home exclusively to the Longris. It is an all-Christian village with 22 Catholic families. "It is one of joyous day of our life", said Mr. Tusam Longri, a redient of Old Khamdu and Zilla Panchayat Member (ZPM) of the Subdivision. Speaking on the occasion, the ZPM exhorted the people to give up bad habits like drugs and use of alcohol. As we make a new beginning with the blessing of this new Church, let us start our life afresh, he said.

The President of east Arunachal Pradesh Catholic Association (APCA), Mr. Mungtang Mossang, together with the Pilar Priests working in Nampong and Manmao prepared a wide range of cultural items to make the spiritual event a colourful one.

Blessing and dedicating the Church to Jesus our Saviour, Bishop George of Miao Diocese emphasized the need for spiritual transformation. "A building does not make a Church, but it is the people who make the Church. A community that lives by the values of Christ what makes the Church", he said. Let us make a strong transformation as we migrate from a humble bamboo structure to a strong concrete Church, he added.

Fr. Avan Vas SFX, the Incharge of the Mission at Old Khamdu thanked all the kind donors who made this Church a reality for the Longris of Miao Diocese.

Lenten Retreat organised at Christ the Light Shrine Miao

A Lenten Retreat was organized at Christ the Light Shrine Paris on 23-25 February by the Divine Retreat Team, Margherita.

The people made full use of this spiritual retreat by spending the day in prayer and fasting during the three retreat days.

Bishop George, celebrating Holy Mass on the concluding day, reminded the people that fasting strengthens our soul and Lent is the right time to reflect more on our spiritual well being.

“We sincerely thank God and all the people who helped in one or the other way to mark this event a meaningful one”, said a faithful from the Parish. (Fr. Esack, Miao)

Faithful from Jairampur make pilgrimage to Miao

Lent is time for spiritual activities in the Church. There are retreats and pilgrimage conducted across the Diocese. The faithful from Jairampur, a small community under Nampong Parish, made a pilgrimage to Christ the Light Shrine, Miao on 23 February.

Mr. Mungtang Mossang, the President of Arunachal Pradesh Catholic Association (Miao Diocese), organized the pilgrimage for the faithful and led the pilgrims to the Shrine.

Upon reaching the Shrine, the faithful made Way of the Cross at the Life-Size Stations of the Cross and concluded at the Shrine.

Bishop George appreciated the pilgrims and prayed for them before they returned. (Mr. Mungtang Mossang, Jairampur)

Arunachal villagers walk for world peace

People in a remote corner of Arunachal Pradesh made a pilgrimage to Christ the Light Shrine, Miao on 10 March praying for peace in the World.

 Around 300 people between the age group of 7 and 70 walked from Neotan, a small village in Changlang District of Arunachal Pradesh, to Miao covering a distance of around 16 Kilometers. The walk was aimed at praying for peace in the World, in India and in Arunachal. “The world needs peace more than ever”, said Fr. Felix Anthony organizing the event. “Our walk today is a response to Pope Francis’ call for prayer for peace in the world especially in the Middle East, South Sudan and Uganda, regions that have seen unprecedented violence and killing.”

On Friday 9 March, Pope Francis initiated the fifth edition of “24 Hours for the Lord” event to organize all the people across the world to spend a day in prayer to pray for personal peace and for the peace in the world. The Mossang sub-tribe of Tangsas of Neotan village responded to this call of Pope Francis by organizing Adoration and Confession in their village on 9 March and concluded the day with pilgrimage to Christ the Light Shrine, the Cathedral Church of Miao Diocese on 10. The 15.4 KMs walk began at 5am and the pilgrim reached Miao at 9.30 am.

Bishop George Pallipparambil SDB, the Bishop of Miao Diocese, appreciated the people for responding to the call of the Holy Father and for giving a visible expression of their response by walking a long distance. “What you have done is a concrete expression of your faith. By holding a Cross each and taking every step with a prayer for peace on your lips, you have walked your faith today. I join with you all for praying for peace in the world’, he told the pilgrims.

The pilgrims covered the distance with 27,351 steps.

The people, though tired, expressed happiness at the end of the Pilgrimage. “We know we cannot solve all the problems but God can. We hope God will have mercy on us and on the whole world and that there will be peace in every heart and every corner of the world”, said Mr. Chomjung Mossang, the village leader from Neotan.

The pilgrimage concluded with the pilgrims making Way of the Cross at the life-size Stations of the Cross erected around the Shrine.

Annual day cum Parents day held at St. Savio, Kanubari

St. Savio School, Kanubari, celebrated its Annual Day cum Parents’ Day on 24 February at the School ground.

The Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Mr. Taro Mize was the Chief Guest of the beautiful cultural event put up by the students.

The students entertained the parents and guests gathered at the event. Fr. Thomas Erambil, the Secretary of Newman Educational Society was present for the event as Guest of Honour. While addressing the students he requested the parents to support and encourage their children. (Fr. John Doley, Kanuabri)

Newman Educational Society takes part in National Achievement Survey

Most of the private schools in Changlang District of Arunachal Pradesh took part in the first ever National Achievement Survey (NSA) conducted for private schools in India on 5 February.

In a first, NSA was conducted in private schools to find out the level of learning outcome among the students. Joining with about 20 Lakh students from the private schools across India, the class 10 students of Newman Educational Society, which has 46 schools under its ambit in Arunachal Pradesh, took part in the first NSA for private schools.

Mr. P. Mossang, Block Resource Officer from Miao, inaugurating the survey, explained to the students from Newman School Neotan the importance of this survey in the field of education for the years ahead. “A sincere survey will help the Government design appropriate interventions for the improvement in quality learning for the coming years”, he said.

Khonsa Catechism Students make Gospel Tour to Lazu

A team of Catechism Students led by Srs. Heukesilie Rose, Santa Kujur, Gracy and Fr. Shoby, made a Gospel Tour to Lazu Parish on 25 February.

The team of 52 Catechism students from Christ the King Parish, Khonsa led by Fathers and Sisters made a Gospel Tour and preached Word of God with action songs and Gospel singing.

The team returned on the same evening after a very fruitful Gospel Tour to the last Parish of Miao Diocese. (Fr. Shoby Simon, Khonsa)

Arunachal youth organize winter cricket to fight drug menace

To keep the youth occupied and to spend the winter vacation meaningfully, a group of youth from Namphai Circle in Changlang District has organized Winter Cricket Cup from 15 to 23 January 2018 at the public ground at Neotan village.

With the theme ‘Yes to sports, Yes to life’, the main objective of this youth group to dissuade the youth from taking to ill habits like drug and from joining  anti social elements, especially during this post harvest festival season. Fr. Felix Anthony, the Youth Director of East Arunachal, who was the Chief Guest at the inaugural function, appreciated the youth for their initiative and encouraged them to take up more social issues that have plagued the society these days. “The beauty of Arunachal Pradesh, fortunately, is still not diluted by outside forces. The rich cultures, dialects and customs are still intact. But sadly most of the youth today have taken to drugs, especially in Changlang, Namsai and Lohit districts”, he said. He appealed to the youth to make a difference to the society. A progressively healthy youth means a healthy society, he added.

There are 18 teams participating in this inaugural edition of the tournament.

Mr. James Mossang, a Post Graduate student and the leader of this youth group, and his team intend to keep this event a regular annual programme to bring more youth from the remote corners of this Circle and around to get them organized. The main reason for youth going astray is lack of guidance and a suppressed need to get recognized. Without proper guidance, the desire to be recognized leads them, at times, to join anti social groups. This is story of the most of youth we know, said the youth leader.

In the midst of regular news about creation of so many insurgent groups in North East, especially in Arunachal Pradesh, this youth group comes as a ray of hope.

Colourful Confluence of Cultures at APCA Foundation Day

It was a colourful confluence of various cultures of Arunachal Pradesh at the 8th Foundation Day celebrations of Arunachal Pradesh Catholic Association (APCA) at Miao on 20 January 2018.

Held first time at the eastern part of Arunachal Pradesh, the 8th Foundation Day of APCA saw the confluence of various cultures of Arunachal Pradesh at Christ the Light Seminary, Miao on 20 January. “This is the beauty of the Church. It brings together people from various linguistic and cultural background”, said Mr. Taw Tebin, the President of APCA.

Speaking at the inaugural function, the chief Guest, Mr. Kamlung Mosang, Cabinet Minister of Government of Arunachal Pradesh, appreciated the contribution of the Catholic Church to the people of Arunachal especially in the field o education and healthcare. “The Church has come a long way”, he said, “from being forbidden to enterArunachal Pradesh to being in the forefront of education and healthcare to the people of Arunachal”. He also stressed on the fact that most of our present leaders in the Country and in the state have received education from Catholic institutions. “Our being kind and compassionate to the poor and the needy at times could be misunderstood as enticement to conversion. Those who received education from Catholic institutions know who we really are. Let us keep doing the good work, said the Minister, who is also one of the members of the APCA Advisory Board.

APCA that comprises of Catholic from the two dioceses of Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar and Miao, has two patrons – Bishop John from Itanagar and Bishop George from Miao Diocese. Bishop George, who was present for the occasion, blessed the delegates from across the State. “We are going through troubled times. The Church has witnessed unprecedented persecution across the World. In my opinion, these occasional discomforts are good for us and the Church. It keeps us awake and does not let us be complacent”, he said. “Today we stand witness to the universal nature of the Church. It is so beautiful to see East meet West. We are not a clan-based Church; not a Tangsa church, or Singhpho church or a Tagin church, a Nishi church but Catholic Church”, he added.

Mr. Mungtan Mossang, the APCA President of East Arunachal Pradesh thanked the delegates for coming from faraway places to be a part of this event. The APCA General Secretary Mr. Pekhi Nabam and Mr. Takam Majeng, the Finance Secretary, and host of other dignitaries also spoke on the occasion.

The 8th Foundation Day of APCA saw Nishi, Tangsa, Adi and many other dance troupes from across the state perform on stage.

National Tourism Day observed with quiz and plantation

National Tourism Day was observed with quiz competitions and plantation by the District Tourism Department of Changlang District Arunachal Pradesh at Newman School Neotan on 25 January.

Ms. Khoda Yakang, the district Tourism Information Officer (TIO) of Changlang District, spoke to the students on the immense possibilities of tourism in India and especially in Arunachal Pradesh. “Our state is an unexplored region, with beauty that can mesmerize anyone who visits here” said the TIO. Fr. Felix, the Principal of Newman School that hosted the event also highlighted the beauty of Arunachal. “Arunachal Pradesh is a real gateway to serenity and there are so many uniquely beautiful places in the State that cannot be found in any other place in our country”, he said. He also encouraged the students to take tourism as a main study. Tourism in Arunachal is indeed a very promising job prospect for anyone looking for new job avenues, he added.

Marking the event and to help the students know more on the places of the country, especially of Arunachal Pradesh, the TIO conducted a quiz competition. The winners of the quiz were given prizes.

The event concluded with planting saplings across the school campus.

Retreat held at St. John’s Parish, Kanubari

The faithful from St. John’s Parish, Kanubari, made their annual retreat on 14-16 February at the Parish Church.

A team of Retreat Preachers from Kolkata led the faithful to a moving a spiritual journey. They based their talks on the theme “Repent and Believe”.

All the participants had a very moving Retreat (Fr. John Doley)

Khonsa Parish conducts Lenten Retreats

Christina King Parish, Khonsa, organised Retreats in the parish and its mission stations from 17-22 February.

The Retreat was conducted by Christanjali Retreat Team. The team toured different villages strengthening and brining renewal in the lives of the people. The Retreat was acclaimed by the people as a moment of God-experience, deep prayer and a living encounter with the Word of God. The retreat has infused new vigour and vitality in the spiritual activities of the parish. The participation of the people in the Retreats both in the villages and town Church has been commendable. We are grateful to Bros. James and Rahul and Sr. Rose Mary for leading spiritually the people of Khonsa parish through the retreats. (Fr. Shoby Simon, Khonsa)

Old Buntin village of Khonsa Parish gets new Church

The people of old Buntin village moved to their new Church building on 11 March with thanksgiving and joyful celebrations.

It was a day of great blessing for the people of Old Buntin who were overjoyed to have their own church accessible to them even during the rainy season.  This village is usually cut off by the floods until the dry season in six months. With this Church in place and a bit of improved connectivity, the faithful do not have to wait for long to have Holy Mass even during rainy season.

Bishop George blessed the Church on 11 March in the midst of a large gathering of guests from around Khonsa town.

The people expressed their joy at having a proper Church in their midst in their own village.